The image of OKC Thunder power forward Serge Ibaka missing a point-blank dunk attempt is about as jarring as the numbers attached to his first postseason series without Russell Westbrook and James Harden.

In three games against the Memphis Grizzlies, Ibaka averages 9.7 points, 6.7 rebounds and 3.3 blocks per game, shooting at a 30.8 percent clip from the field. Other than blocks, each category marks a considerable decline from 13.2 points, 7.7 rebounds and 3.0 blocks this regular season, which was accomplished on only 9.7 shot attempts per game. Ibaka's up to 11.7 shot attempts for the postseason and 13.0 versus the Grizzlies.

Ibaka’s struggles first cropped up in a 1-of-10 shooting effort in Game 1, but that was passed over because the Thunder won, 93-91, when Kevin Durant assumed control late in the game. Ibaka's trouble was more obvious Saturday, when he shot 6-for-17 from the field as the Grizzlies won 87-81 to take a 2-1 lead in their second-round series against the Thunder.

Bouts of self-doubt crippled Ibaka throughout. As a result, he hesitated to take good looks and settled for worse shots and misplayed dunks and layups at the rim—something seldom seen from an athlete of his caliber.

That lack of confidence caused Ibaka to struggle from areas in which he traditionally found success. More of an athlete than a post player, one of Ibaka’s marked improvements was his ability to stretch the floor. He added a more consistent midrange game and corner 3-point shot this season, which helped open lanes for Durant and Westbrook, both of whom were already adept at reaching the rim.

In the regular season, Ibaka took more shots from midrange than any other place on the floor and finished 164-of-323 on 50.8 percent. That number has taken a significant dip in the playoffs, as he hit only 27.1 percent of shots from midrange and left Durant as the team’s only reliable scorer.

He’s done so in the face of a meeting with the NBA’s best frontcourt. Defensive Player of the Year Marc Gasol and Zach Randolph have feasted on the Thunder for the series, but it has been Gasol who has caused the most damage. Gasol averages 22 points, 7.0 rebounds, 4.5 assists, 1.5 blocks and 1 steal over the past two games, both Memphis wins.

Ibaka’s decline has increased the burden on Durant, a burden that had already become heavier when Westbrook was shut down for the postseason. Durant answered, posting 32.0 points, 12.3 rebounds and 6.7 assists against the Grizzlies.

Ibaka has missed Westbrook more than any other player, with no one on the roster there to duplicate the dribble-penetration that often led to his midrange makes and deep shots from the corners.

Because he can't create his own shot, Ibaka is taking more contested looks without Westbrook and the results have led to distrust in his own abilities. Oklahoma City will need that to change if they are to recover in time for a critical Game 4 in Memphis on Monday.

Durant has done all he can. And while other role players such as Kevin Martin and Reggie Jackson could improve their consistency and decision-making, Ibaka is the key to the Thunder's postseason future. He was chosen to be the Thunder's third-best player when general manager Sam Presti decided to ink his deal before closing negotiations with All-Star James Harden, whose Rockets lost to the Thunder in the first round.

“We have to get him confidence,” Durant said of Ibaka, according to ESPN.com. “We have to get him some shots and get him going. We can’t let him put too much pressure on himself. It’s all in his mind. If he thinks he’s going to make those shots, he’s going to make them.

“He missed a few blocks, a few layups and a few open jump shots. I have to pick him up, and that’s what I’ve been doing.”

And if that is to happen, it'll come with Ibaka's regained confidence in the midrange shot. Ibaka is not a post player, he's a jumper shooter and offensive rebounder and he'll have to put Game 3 behind him and make the most of opportunities at both areas in coming games.